Source: This mele inoa for Hi`iaka is
learned by most hula students when they begin the study of
ancient hula. The dancer is the olapa and these chants are
sometimes called Hula Olapa. Maukele is in the Puna district
of Hawai`i and Paliuli was a legendary paradise.
Kaululä`au (grove of trees) was a chief of Maui, the
mischievous son of Chief Kaka`alaneo. Pele asked her sisters
to dance and sing for her. All except the youngest, Hi`iaka
i ka poli o Pele (Hi`iaka in the bosom of Pele), asked to be
excused. She danced to a chant about Puna, a place she loved
dearly, the home of her friend, Hopoe. Pele promised not to
destroy Puna. Pele asked Hi`iaka to go to Kaua`i and escort
Lohi`au, Pele's dream lover, back. Pele destroyed Puna in a
fit of jealousy, when she thought Hi`iaka would try to keep
Lohia`u from her.